SERUM LOW-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL RESPONSE TO MODIFICATION OFSATURATED FAT INTAKE - RECENT INSIGHTS

Two lines of investigation have provided important insights into dieta ry therapy of hypercholesterolemia. Studies have confirmed the efficac y of the US National Cholesterol Education Program Step II diet in low ering serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations and demonstrate that wide v ariability exists in responsiveness to this diet. Other studies indica te that, contrary to expectations, cholesterol raising saturated fatty acids are not limited to long-chain saturates, but also include mediu m-chain and very long-chain saturated fatty acids.